Fried chicken, a beloved comfort food, crispy and flavorful, stands as a satisfying meal on its own. However, pairing it with the right side dishes elevates the entire dining experience, transforming a simple meal into a delightful feast. If you’re wondering what to serve with fried chicken, you’ve come to the right place. This guide explores a variety of side dishes that perfectly complement the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken, ensuring a balanced and delicious meal.
Classic Comfort Sides
For those seeking traditional pairings, these classic sides are always a hit and resonate with the comforting nature of fried chicken itself.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes and fried chicken are a match made in culinary heaven. The creamy, smooth texture of mashed potatoes provides a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken skin. They act as a comforting base, soaking up the flavorful juices of the chicken and creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding garlic, chives, or cheese to your mashed potatoes.
2. Classic Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad, a staple at picnics and barbecues, is another fantastic side for fried chicken. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint. You can customize your macaroni salad with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions, or add ham for a heartier version. This side salad for fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
Cornbread
3. Sweet and Savory Cornbread
Cornbread brings a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with fried chicken. Its slightly sweet and savory notes enhance the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a balanced and comforting combination. Whether you prefer it slightly sweet or more savory, cornbread is a filling and delicious addition to your fried chicken meal.
4. Hearty Baked Beans
Baked beans offer a sweet and savory depth that complements fried chicken wonderfully. The rich, smoky, and often slightly sweet flavors of baked beans provide a hearty and satisfying side dish. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a substantial addition that balances the richness of the fried chicken. These fried chicken side dishes are perfect for a filling and flavorful meal.
5. Tangy Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy, creamy dressing, is a quintessential side dish for fried chicken. Its acidity and freshness help to cut through the richness of the fried chicken, cleansing the palate and making each bite more enjoyable. This crispy fried chicken and coleslaw pairing is a classic for a reason – the contrasting textures and flavors are simply irresistible.
6. Crispy French Fries
French fries are arguably the most classic and universally loved side dishes to fried chicken. Their salty, crispy exterior and soft interior provide a familiar and comforting pairing. For an extra flavor boost, try seasoning your fries with black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder as suggested, or explore other spices to create your own signature fries.
Fresh and Lighter Options
If you’re looking for lighter and fresher sides to balance the richness of fried chicken, these salads and vegetable-based options are excellent choices.
7. Refreshing Green Salad
A simple green salad offers a refreshing and healthy contrast to fried chicken. The lightness of a green salad, with its crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables, helps to balance the richness of the meat. Dress it with a light vinaigrette to add a touch of acidity that further complements the fried chicken. Green salads truly make for healthy fried chicken side dishes.
8. Bright Summer Salad
A summer salad, featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onions, brings a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors to your fried chicken meal. Lightly dressed with olive oil and vinegar, this salad provides a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken. This delicious tomato & cucumber salad is an excellent way to add a healthy and flavorful element to your meal.
9. Sweet and Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, especially when candied or roasted, offer a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with fried chicken. Their naturally sweet flavor and soft texture provide a different dimension to the meal, moving away from savory sides. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and slightly sweet.
10. Crispy Fried Okra
Fried okra, another Southern favorite, provides a crispy and flavorful vegetable side dish that complements fried chicken. The crispy texture of fried okra echoes the crispiness of the chicken, while its mild, slightly earthy flavor adds a unique dimension. Wondering what to eat with your fried chicken for a veggie option? Fried okra is an ideal choice.
Green Salad
Unique and Flavorful Sides
For those wanting to venture beyond the classics, these unique and flavorful side dishes offer exciting taste experiences that still pair wonderfully with fried chicken.
11. Sweet and Creamy Creamed Corn
Creamed corn brings a comforting sweetness and creamy texture that adds another layer of indulgence to your fried chicken dinner. Its sweet and savory profile, enhanced by seasonings like black pepper, cayenne, salt, and sugar, creates a delightful flavor combination alongside the chicken. Creamed corn is a comforting and flavorful side that’s sure to please.
12. Savory Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, those perfectly fried cornmeal fritters, offer a unique sweet and salty taste that makes them a fantastic side for fried chicken. Their slightly sweet cornmeal flavor and crispy texture provide a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Plus, they are conveniently fried in the same oil after cooking your chicken, making preparation efficient.
13. Hearty Potato Salad
Potato salad, distinct from macaroni salad, offers another creamy and satisfying side dish option. With variations ranging from German potato salad with bacon and vinegar to classic American potato salad with mayonnaise and mustard, you can choose a style that suits your taste. Adding onions or vegetables to your potato salad can further enhance its flavor and texture, making it a delicious complement to fried chicken.
14. Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes bring a tangy and slightly tart flavor that cuts through the richness of fried chicken, offering a unique and flavorful side. Their crispy coating and juicy, slightly acidic interior provide a delightful textural and flavor contrast. Fried green tomatoes are a Southern specialty that adds a touch of zest to your fried chicken meal.
15. Buttery Biscuits
Biscuits, especially hot buttermilk biscuits, are a perfect bread accompaniment to fried chicken. Their buttery, fluffy texture and warm, comforting flavor make them an ideal side for soaking up the juices and flavors of the chicken. A tray of hot buttermilk biscuits is a welcome addition to any fried chicken feast, and children especially love them.
side dish for fried chicken baked beans
Ultimately, what to serve with fried chicken depends on your personal preferences and the dining experience you wish to create. From classic comfort sides to fresh and lighter options, and even unique and flavorful choices, there’s a perfect side dish to elevate your fried chicken meal. Experiment with these suggestions and discover your favorite pairings for the ultimate fried chicken feast!
To taste the finest fried chicken in a warm, relaxed, and cozy atmosphere, visit Belchicken restaurants https://belchicken.com/restaurants/
Bon Appétit.
